Dirigible
What links here:
[edit source]- Steam Elephants (← links | edit)
- Aeronef (← links | edit)
- Projectile Travel Machine (← links | edit)
- HMD (← links | edit)
- Steam Wing (← links | edit)
- Lovelace Stabilisers (← links | edit)
Dirigibles have been the main form of aerial travel through the reign to date of Edward I and VII, and with their ability to cheaply lift large and heavy loads, they remain a common feature of the skies. However, it's clear that for many purposes the faster and more biddable aeronefs are overtaking them in popularity.
Lift for dirigibles is generated by hydrogen, helium or (rarely) hot air, and although maintenance of the structure and skins is important, mechanical complexity is mostly restricted to the motive engines. This helps to keep maintenance costs down, while scaling dirigibles up to carry large loads is both mechanically and structurally simpler than increasing the size of aeronefs. As a result, dirigibles remain popular where margins are low or lifting capacity is crucial.
The Air Navy's dirigibles carry the prefix HMD (His Majesty's Dirigible).